Thursday, September 3, 2026
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For readers looking for what’s still working in the world

HopeResilienceGratitudeConnectionCourageKindnessCreativityGrowth

Thursday, September 3

Good news, worth watching.

Stories of hope, kindness, resilience and progress — each one carrying a video, and each read through the science of wellbeing.

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ConnectionReasons to be Cheerful

What We’re Reading: In Baltimore, 911 Now Has More Ways to Help

Baltimore is pioneering a transformative approach to emergency response by expanding the scope of its 911 services. Traditionally focused on dispatching police, fire, or medical help, the city now redirects some calls to specialized teams equipped to handle mental health crises, poverty, and addiction without defaulting to law enforcement. This initiative, funded by opioid-related legal settlements, aims to tailor responses to the specific needs of callers, offering resources like housing and legal assistance instead of punitive measures.

  • Hope
  • Kindness
  • Courage
YouTube
HopeThe Optimist Daily

Climate attribution science just changed the rules for fossil fuel lawsuits

In a groundbreaking shift, climate attribution science has evolved to pinpoint the exact contributions of specific fossil fuel companies to climate disasters. Christopher Callahan's study, published in Earth’s Future, uses advanced simulations to link individual corporate emissions to particular climate events, such as the 2021 Pacific Northwest heatwave and Pakistan’s 2022 floods. This development is a game-changer for climate litigation, as it provides the concrete causation needed to hold companies accountable in court, a hurdle that has previously stymied many lawsuits.

  • Courage
  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
Facebook
ResilienceUpworthy

Harvard psychiatrist reveals ‘the fastest way to change your life’ using just one Post-it note

Dr. Kavetha Sundaramoorthy, a Harvard-trained psychiatrist, offers a refreshingly simple yet profound approach to changing one's life using just a Post-it note. Her method involves recognizing the three layers of mental processing: experience, story, and reaction. By inserting a small step of 'awareness'—noticing a part of oneself feels a certain way—between the story and the reaction, individuals can create a space for more mindful responses rather than impulsive reactions. This practice, which echoes principles found in Buddhist philosophy and cognitive behavioral therapy, encourages a detachment from immediate emotional narratives, allowing for a more balanced and calm approach to interpersonal interactions.

  • Curiosity
  • Perspective
  • Courage
YouTube
ConnectionNice News

The “Malibu of the Midwest” Has Epic Surf That Rivals California’s Coastline

Sheboygan, Wisconsin, once a sleepy town on the shores of Lake Michigan, has transformed into a vibrant surf destination, earning the moniker 'Malibu of the Midwest.' This transformation is a testament to the passion and perseverance of local surfing enthusiasts like Charles Koehler and the Williams brothers. Their dedication has not only fostered a thriving local surf culture but also attracted attention from surfers across the globe. The city's unique position allows it to catch waves from both north and south swells, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience for surfers who relish the freshwater's distinct dynamics.

  • Perseverance
  • Curiosity
  • Love
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

An autistic girl couldn’t tolerate music. Then a book from Dolly Parton changed everything.

In a touching narrative of transformation, Sue Spencer shares how her autistic daughter, previously unable to tolerate music, found her way to melody through a book from Dolly Parton's Imagination Library. The book, 'Coat of Many Colors,' not only piqued her daughter's curiosity but also led her to embrace the very music she once shunned. This breakthrough, facilitated by Parton's legacy of providing free books to children, illustrates the profound impact of connecting literature and music.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Love
YouTube
ConnectionUpworthy

Nearly 10 years after her death, nun’s quirky 90’s art history show is flooding Gen Z feeds

Sister Wendy Beckett, a Carmelite nun and self-taught art historian, charmed global audiences in the 1990s with her art history television shows. Her unique blend of scholarly insight and approachable demeanor made art accessible and engaging, transforming the viewing experience into a delightful journey through the world of painting. Even a decade after her death, her legacy endures as her shows find a new audience in Gen Z, who share her clips across social media platforms, drawn to her passion and clarity.

  • Curiosity
  • Perseverance
  • Love
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Good Samaritan Helps Mother After Seeing Her Destroyed Home on the News: “He’s been a blessing”

In an inspiring tale from the Bronx, Scott Evans, a Long Island resident, transformed the life of Nina Chambers, whose apartment and belongings were consumed by a devastating fire. Witnessing her plight on the news, Evans felt compelled to act, contributing $3,000 to help Chambers and her three children regain their footing. This act of generosity not only provided immediate relief but also served as a catalyst for Chambers to rebuild her life, culminating in her graduation with a degree in human services and securing a new home.

  • Kindness
  • Hope
  • Courage
YouTube
CourageUpworthy

In 1972, Lily Tomlin showed quiet grace when responding to an actor’s incredibly sexist remark

In a time when late-night talk shows were a staple of American entertainment, Lily Tomlin's response to a sexist remark on 'The Dick Cavett Show' in 1972 was a moment of quiet defiance. When actor Chad Everett referred to his wife as the 'most beautiful animal I own,' Tomlin simply stated, 'I have to leave,' and exited the set. Her action, seemingly simple, was a profound statement against the casual sexism of the era and demonstrated the power of personal integrity without resorting to confrontation.

  • Courage
  • Perspective
  • Hope
TikTok
ConnectionUpworthy

On his last show in 2001, Mister Rogers shared his final lesson: What it really means to grow up

In his final episode of 'Mister Rogers' Neighborhood,' Fred Rogers imparted a timeless lesson on emotional maturity, emphasizing that true growth is reflected in our ability to express our feelings without harming ourselves or others. His gentle message, delivered with the same warmth and sincerity that endeared him to generations, underscored the importance of planning and acting in ways that benefit both oneself and one's community. Rogers' closing words, "I'm proud of you," resonated deeply, offering viewers a sense of validation and encouragement to continue growing with kindness and empathy.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
KindnessUpworthy

Researchers put Batman on a crowded subway to test a fascinating theory about human kindness

In a novel experiment conducted on the Milan metro, researchers sought to explore the depths of human kindness through an unexpected source: Batman. By introducing a man dressed as the iconic superhero onto a crowded subway, they hoped to disrupt the typical commuter autopilot and observe any changes in social behavior. The results were striking—when Batman was present, the number of people offering their seats to a visibly pregnant woman increased from 37% to 67%. Interestingly, many participants who relinquished their seats were not consciously aware of Batman's presence, suggesting that his mere appearance created an atmosphere that encouraged mindfulness and empathy.

  • Curiosity
  • Hope
  • Kindness
YouTube
ResilienceUpworthy

Look Back At Linh Mai’s Most Memorable Moments As She Turns 7 Months Old

In a heartwarming chronicle of resilience and community, Linh Mai, an Asian elephant calf, has captured the hearts of many in her first seven months of life. Born into challenging circumstances at the Smithsonian’s National Zoo, Linh Mai was initially rejected by her mother, Nhi Linh, and required round-the-clock care from her dedicated human caretakers. This adversity was met with an outpouring of love and support, not only from the zoo staff but also from the elephant community, particularly an 'auntie' elephant named Swarna, who stepped into a nurturing role. The public's engagement in naming Linh Mai, which raised significant funds for elephant conservation, further demonstrates the collective commitment to her wellbeing and that of her species.

  • Perseverance
  • Kindness
  • Hope
Instagram
KindnessUpworthy

How Dolly Parton managed to win over nearly everyone, no matter their beliefs or background

Dolly Parton's universal appeal lies in her ability to be both genuine and unifying, transcending social and political divides. Her story illustrates that one doesn't need to be neutral to be beloved; rather, it’s about standing firm in one's beliefs while demonstrating consistent love and kindness. Parton's actions, such as changing the name of her Dixie Stampede show when it was pointed out as offensive, reflect her willingness to listen and act, rather than retreat into defensiveness or controversy.

  • Courage
  • Kindness
  • Perspective
YouTube
KindnessGood News Network

Florida Teens Design Charity App to Help Generous Locals Deliver ‘Pizza for a Purpose’

In an inspiring tale of youthful innovation, Florida teens Aashrita and Anish Kaza have harnessed their tech skills to create 'Pizza for a Purpose,' an app that connects local restaurants with charities to deliver pizzas to those in need. This initiative, born out of their volunteering experiences, has facilitated the donation of 25,000 pizza slices to food-insecure families in Broward County. By streamlining the donation process, the app empowers individuals to easily contribute to their community, bringing joy and sustenance to many.

  • Gratitude
  • Hope
  • Courage
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From the Research Desk

The science behind the good

The finding1 of 5

Kursk residents' life quality is moderately impacted by healthcare system satisfaction.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Problemy sotsial'noi gigieny, zdravookhraneniia i istorii meditsiny

[THE SUBJECTIVE ESTIMATES OF QUALITY OF LIFE OF URBAN POPULATION OF PROVINCIAL REGION THROUGH THE PRISM OF SATISFACTION OF HEALTH CARE SYSTEM].

  • Meaning
  • Accomplishment

This study explores how the quality of healthcare systems influences the subjective quality of life for residents in the city of Kursk, Russia. The researchers conducted a survey to understand how people's perceptions of their well-being and life quality are linked to their satisfaction with healthcare services. The findings indicate that inadequacies in healthcare infrastructure and personnel negatively impact residents' quality of life.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 4

Climate change anxiety is linked to more severe PMS symptoms in young women.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Investigating the association between climate change anxiety and premenstrual syndrome severity among young women: a cross-sectional study.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

This study explores an intriguing intersection between environmental concerns and women's health by examining how anxiety about climate change might relate to the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in young women. Conducted among 1,035 young women in Türkiye, the research found a notable link between higher levels of climate change anxiety and increased severity of PMS symptoms. The study suggests that the stress induced by worrying about climate change can exacerbate premenstrual symptoms, highlighting a modern psychosomatic stressor.

Read the science →
The finding1 of 3

Digital and hybrid psychological interventions reduced depression, anxiety, and stress in pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

What’s Workingpositivetech.org
Journal of psychosomatic obstetrics and gynaecology

Psychological interventions to improve maternal mental health and resilience during pregnancy in the COVID-19 pandemic: a systematic review.

  • Resilience
  • Mindfulness

The COVID-19 pandemic significantly disrupted routine mental health care, leaving many pregnant women to face increased psychological distress without adequate support. This systematic review evaluates various psychological interventions aimed at improving mental health and resilience among pregnant women during this challenging time. Interventions such as cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and psychoeducation were adapted for digital and hybrid formats to maintain accessibility during the pandemic.

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Read by what you need today

Hope

Stories that widen the sense of what's possible.

Resilience

People and communities bending without breaking.

Gratitude

Noticing and naming the good that's already here.

Connection

The quiet, durable work of belonging to one another.

Courage

Acting well in the presence of fear or cost.

Kindness

Everyday generosity that compounds.

Creativity

New answers to old problems.

Growth

Learning, healing, and becoming more whole.